On Thursday, April 28, the FDA released new proposed rules prohibiting the manufacturing and sale of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars (including flavored menthol cigars). The FDA states the rules will make cigarettes and cigars less appealing to youth and young adults, and make it easier for current users to quit. In its announcement, the FDA cited published modeling studies which estimate a 15% reduction in smoking within 40 years if menthol were no longer available in the U.S. The rules now go into a 60 day commenting period, beginning next Wednesday, May 4 and going through Tuesday, July 5. The FDA also clarified that the rules apply to the manufacturing and sale of these products -- not to their possession.

Read the FDA Fact Sheet on the Proposed Rules